RIYADH: Red Sea Global, the multi-project developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and Amaala, has become the first Saudi hospitality entity to achieve the prestigious Green Key certification for its Turtle Bay Hotel at The Red Sea, the company said on Tuesday. Turtle Bay Hotel is a self-operated property with 90 employees — 50 percent of whom are Saudi nationals from the local community, and 30 percent Saudi females. The hotel was officially opened in September 2021 and is an advocate for training young Saudi talent entering the hospitality sector. The world’s leading independent certification for excellence in sustainable tourism was awarded to the hotel in recognition of its exceptional efforts toward environmental protection, conservation, and regeneration, as driven by RSG’s pioneering approach to responsible development, the company added. “As we shape the blueprints for regenerative, responsible tourism, we continue to root our efforts in transparency and accountability,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG. “The Green Key certification demonstrates we are being true to our word and living up to the expectations we set ourselves for sustainable growth.” He added: “Such critical evaluations are key to holding us to account, while galvanizing the sector toward a collective journey into a new era of regeneration.” The hotel was independently assessed by Green Key Global, a leading international environmental certification body, which conducted a rigorous audit that tracked against 77 criteria across 13 categories. The hotel is powered by RSG’s wider vision to run all operations using 100 percent renewable energy and deliver a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040 through the protection and enhancement of key habitats crucial to biodiversity. Turtle Bay Hotel makes use of all natural resources and strategies are in place to ensure zero waste is sent to landfill, while it also eliminated single-use plastics, replaced non-recyclable packaging work in parallel with circular processes to prioritize recycling and reuse, and minimizes water consumption. Measures have been implemented toward a procurement structure for goods and services that prioritize eco-labelled and fairtrade sources, where high standards for the protection of workers and the environment are followed, the company said. For example, all seafood served at Turtle Bay Hotel is locally sourced and independently certified as responsibly farmed without negative impacts on the environment. The use of toxic chemicals is also prevented to protect the health and safety of employees and guests, particularly with housekeeping products, which are locally produced and completely eco-friendly. Three resorts at The Red Sea will open this year along with the first phase of the Red Sea International airport to offer domestic flights. Another 13 hotels will open in 2024, and upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, championship golf courses, entertainment, food and beverage, and leisure facilities.